Dear Miss Paws: How can I tell when a dog just likes to chew up things and when he has real separation anxiety? A. Separation anxiety is a full-blown panic attack over being left alone. Behavior professionals have noticed a high incidence of this behavior in shelter dogs. It’s not known whether shelters induce the stress or dogs end up at shelters because their owners can’t deal with this difficult behavior. Maybe a little of both. Regardless of the cause, it’s tough behavior to live with. Separation anxiety can manifest itself as extreme destructive behavior, often directed toward escape at doorways and windows. Some dogs will chew through walls and door frames, or jump through closed windows. I had a dog that I had owned for a couple of years – who, because of the size of my family had never been left entirely alone – someone was always here. What a surprise when we finally did leave her completely alone – in a closed bedroom. She tore up every shred of carpet under the door and was working backwards on the rest of the room when we came home. Luckily, we discovered that this behavior did not occur when we gave her the run of the house with a couple of our other dogs for company. But, sometimes that won’t work. Even being given that much freedom may not solve the problem. Some dogs urinate and defecate all over the house due to unbearable distress. Some dogs bark, howl or scream continuously until someone comes home to relieve their panic. Dogs who have separation anxiety often can’t be crated – their panic worsens in close confinement. They then may injure themselves trying to escape. You can test a dog at a shelter for separation anxiety by leaving him alone in a get-acquainted room or other confined space. Leave a cheap throw pillow you bought for this purpose (at a yard sale, for instance) in the room with him. If he becomes frantic, digs at the door, barks, howls and rips up the cushion, consider another dog, or arm yourself for a behavior modification challenge. If you still want to adopt the dog, it’s a good idea to talk to a qualified behavior professional beforehand. Then, be prepared to work closely with one if you choose to proceed with the adoption. If you discover his separation anxiety after you bring him home, you should be prepared for a long term project. You may have to consider a doggie daycare or other pet-sitting options – and the administration of behavior modification drugs – while you work to help him gradually accept being home alone.
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